Staying in a hotel room can sometimes be inconvenient, but necessary. You might forget to pack something, or you might need a particular fix for something that is bothering you. Next time you're set to stay in a hotel for an overnight stay or a long vacation, be sure to remember these 10 hotel room hacks!
The best summer vacation memories last a lifetime. There are several spots in the United States that are iconic when it comes to the idea summer vacation for families, couples, or even solo travelers. Find inspiration for your next warm-weather getaway with our list of the best summer vacation spots in the U.S.A. 1. Grand Canyon, Arizona The Grand Canyon is one of the most iconic, family-friendly American summer vacation spots because of its views, notoriety, and things to do while you are here. Summer is a crowded time, as it is peak season, especially with kids out of school, so you will want to lock in lodging many months in advance. Plan ahead for activities that might require a reservation, like rafting on the Colorado River. There are lookouts and hiking trails throughout the Grand Canyon, and you can even take the Grand Canyon Railway from Williams, Arizona to the South Rim, which is a popular vantage point. The South Rim is where you can find the Grand Canyon Village and the winding Bright Angel Trail, which is a popular hike for those who want a more aggressive excursion. The North Rim is the least crowded spot with fewer tourists, and it is only completely open from May to October. From October to December 1, it is only open for day use. Favorite Resort: The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon 4-Night Summer Pricing: standard room $1,173.50 Fill out the form below for more details. 2. Mackinac Island, Michigan A summer vacation on Mackinac Island in Michigan is a throwback to the simplicity of the summer vacation of the 1800s. A ferry to the island is required, and once you arrive, there are no cars and no chain hotels. Transportation is by horse and carriage, bicycles, or on foot. There are several resorts on the island, like the famed Grand Hotel and Mission Point resort, where Adirondack chairs adorn the lawn along the Lake Huron shoreline. The island represents a wholesome kind of vacation that is ideal for families or romantic getaways. Throughout Mackinac Island, you can explore the outdoors with a carriage ride and tour, kayaking trips on the water, horseback riding through Mackinac Island State Park, relaxing at the spa, or taking a leisurely bike ride through yesteryear in a place that seems to have stopped in time. Grab high tea in the afternoon at the historic Grand Hotel on the hill or enjoy a mega-scoop of ice-cream at Sadie's Ice Cream Parlor. Everything on the impeccably manicured island is the epitome of the perfect summer vacation Favorite Resort: Bicycle Street Inn & Suites 4-Night Summer Pricing: $2,370.75 Fill out the form below for more details. 3. Yellowstone National Park A summer vacation to Yellowstone National Park enables you to experience some of the most stunning natural beauty in the United States. The park crosses the boundaries of Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho, with more than two million acres of natural landscape and wildlife viewing to enjoy. Plan some time for this vacation because there is so much to see and do, from hiking the many trails to photographing the Old Faithful geyser, one of the most popular stops in the park. It is estimated that Yellowstone attracts two million visitors in the summer months, which means the park will be crowded. It is also the best time to go, not just for the warm temperatures and wildlife activity but also for the events happening in the towns around the park that have many summer festivals. Some other must-see Yellowstone points of interests are Mammoth Hot Springs and Yellowstone Lake. Favorite Resort: Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa 4-Night Summer Pricing: standard room $2,019.69 Fill out the form below for more details. 4. Cape Cod, Massachusetts Summer in Cape Cod defines the idea of a cottage escape. With pristine beaches and quaint villages with old-fashioned ice-cream parlors, Cape Cod is one of the best vacation getaways in New England. The ocean and public beaches almost never leave your eyesight, unless you opt for a bike ride along one of the many paths that weave through the area. Kayaking and fishing are top things to do in Cape Cod but so is beachcombing; listening to live music; and visiting art galleries, where you can find lots of unique creations from local glass blowers and painters. Cape Cod beaches stretch for 40 miles and are home to many celebrities during the summer months. Some of the notable beaches to visit are Herring Cove in Provincetown and Nauset Beach in Eastham. July and August are the best beach months to visit but be prepared to spend quite a bit for this iconic summer vacation. Hotel, resort, and bed and breakfast rates will be at a premium, and availability will be limited if you do not book several months, or even up to a year in advance. Favorite Resort: Green Harbor Resort 4-Night Summer Pricing: $2,218.41 Fill out the form below for more details. 5. Outer Banks, North Carolina A summer visit to North Carolina's barrier islands, known as the Outer Banks, is one of the best vacations in the United States. You can make a base in one of the small towns along the 130-mile stretch and make day trips along Highway 12 to places like Cape Hatteras National Seashore or to some of the historic lighthouses along the Outer Banks. It is common for many summer vacationers to rent beach houses in Duck, Nags Head, Hatteras, or Kill Devil Hills and make the Outer Banks an annual tradition. The area has long stretches of beautiful beaches, perfect for family vacations. Due to the popularity of the area, it is best to lock in lodging six months to a year in advance. While the main attractions in the Outer Banks are the picturesque Atlantic Ocean and dramatic sand dunes, there's much more to explore. On the northern tip of the Outer Banks in Corolla, you can see wild Spanish mustang horses roaming the beaches. Several historic sites, like the Wright Brothers National Memorial, Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station, and the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum are worth visits. For a truly unforgettable experience, walk the 100-foot-high sand dunes at Jockey's Ridge State Park or take a hang-gliding lesson at the largest hang-gliding school in the world located at the park. Favorite Resort: Sanderling Resort 4-Night Summer Pricing: $2,302.88 Fill out the form below for more details. 6. Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri Located on the northern edge of the Ozark Mountains in central Missouri, Lake of the Ozarks was created by an impoundment of the Osage River in 1931. In its near 90-year history, this long and winding lake has grown into Missouri's premiere vacation destination. With more than 1,100 miles of shoreline outlining this massive man-made reservoir, the water is always a defining feature of any visit. Whether it's golfing within view of the water, camping next to the shore, or renting a boat for the day, the Lake of the Ozarks offers all types of vacations and things to do. Other reasons people flock to the lake include historic lodges, swinging bridges, and raging water parks. All this, and more, adds up to the perfect destination for long weekends and extended family vacations. One of the best base camps for activity is the city of Lake Ozark, just south of the Osage River impoundment, the Bagnell Dam. Osage Beach, six miles south of Lake Ozark, is another popular place to visit and is the largest city at Lake of the Ozarks. Farther south, Camdenton also provides plenty of adventure, including subterranean exploration of Bridal Cave. Favorite Resort: Big Cedar Lodge 4-Night Summer Pricing: $2,494.98 Fill out the form below for more details. 7. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan Few summer vacation memories can top sliding down the colossal sand dunes at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Seashore in Michigan. The nice thing about this vacation is that most of the things to do are outdoors, and most of them are free. You can hang beachside at one of the best beaches in Michigan and relax by the waters of Lake Michigan. For more adventure, tackle one of the many hiking trails through Leelanau State Park and North Manitou Island to get up close to nature and local wildflowers. There are several local outfitters that have kayaks available for rent and offer tours of the area. Or you can head out on your own and capture photos of your family taking on the adventure of the 400-foot-tall sand dunes. There is an abundance of wildlife along the 65 miles of shoreline. The area is especially popular for birdwatching. One of the most peaceful parts of a Sleeping Bear Dunes vacation will be the dramatic sunsets along Lake Michigan, which you can catch from the balcony of one of the resorts in the area. Favorite Resort: Crystal Mountain Resort 4-Night Summer Pricing: $888.62 Fill out the form below for more details. 8. Portland, Maine Summertime is the peak tourist season in Portland, Maine but it is also one of the best times to visit for the full flavor of the city. Temperatures, even during the summer, are comfortable and barely exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If you love outdoor activities, Portland fits your vacation style with preserved natural beauty and a simplistic vibe. Much of your time will be spent on the rocky coastline listening to the sounds of the sea crashing upon arrival. One of the things Portland is most known for is its lighthouses. There are six within close proximity, including its most prominent, Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth. You can take a tour of one or all of them to get a sense of the town's importance to maritime history. Outdoor recreation in Portland spans from kayaking and fishing to golf and sailing. Since Portland is located on the coast, you will find small restaurants serving up seafood and culinary creations using in-season fruits and vegetables. Favorite Resort: Inn By The Sea 4-Night Summer Pricing: $3,407.63 Fill out the form below for more details. 9. San Francisco, California The city of San Francisco has the benefit of being a nearly perfect place to visit anytime of the year, but a summer vacation to this California destination is memorable. The summer months are the most popular in the San Francisco Bay area, so the beaches will be crowded, and lodging will be at a premium. You will also want to book hotels and transportation far in advance. The top must-dos in San Francisco include a visit to the Golden Gate Bridge, a boat tour on the bay, and a cable car ride around the hilly streets. A trip to Alcatraz is also recommended but since you must buy a ticket and time slot, you may want to book these online before you go. San Francisco comes alive in the summer with street artists and musicians, festivals, and an eclectic atmosphere. Be sure to visit Pier 39, where you can see dozens of local sea lions resting on the docks at the marina. Favorite Resort: The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay 4-Night Summer Pricing: $2,841.90 Fill out the form below for more details. 10. Panama City Beach, Florida One of the best summer beach getaways happens in Panama City Beach, Florida. There's never a bad spot as you choose your beach spot for the day on some of the 27 miles of beaches. The beach is perfect for long walks and people watching from the pier. Besides relaxing at the beach, you can hike or bike in one of the two state parks in the area or take a sunset kayaking trip. The eco-friendly destination also makes it easy to explore the nearby and untouched Shell Island or take an airboat ride to get up close to local wildlife. Pier Park is one way to break up your beach time with some food and activities. The SkyWheel is an exciting way to get a bird's-eye view of the beach scene. Pier Park has more than 124 stores, from boutique and souvenir shops to ice-cream parlors and sundry stores in case you forgot the sunglasses. This is a fun time in Panama City Beach to enjoy the local flavor at the many festivals that happen during the summer months. For those who enjoy fishing, you can spend a day on a deep-sea charter catching a variety of species then have them filleted at the marina and prepped for you to take to a local restaurant for dinner. If you prefer to enjoy eating fresh seafood more than catching it, Panama City Beach has a wide array of casual to fine-dining seafood restaurants. Favorite Resort: Ocean Villa Resort 4-Night Summer Pricing: $2,017.32 Fill out the form below for more details. 11. Gatlinburg, Tennessee A summer vacation in Gatlinburg, Tennessee checks all the boxes if you are looking for a combination of activities and some downtime during your getaway. Make no mistake, the heart of Gatlinburg is touristy and busy in the summer months with families, but the buzzing activity is part of its ambience. The center of Gatlinburg requires no itinerary. It is full of options, from museums to pancake restaurants and miniature golf. Take advantage of the main attractions in the area, like the Gatlinburg Space Needle; Ripley's Aquarium; rides; shops; live entertainment; and the SkyLift, the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America. One of the most popular attractions is the Aerial Tramway, which leaves from downtown Gatlinburg and takes visitors in a cable car up the mountainside to an amusement park and dining at the top. There are plenty of hotels along the main parkway, or you can opt for a more secluded cabin in the woods just outside the main part of town. Gatlinburg sits in the valley of the Great Smoky Mountains, so every sunrise and sunset is spectacular. Take a day or two hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for some natural inspiration. It is the most visited national park in the United States and has more than 50,000-acres of trails, as well as wilderness and wildlife to experience. New visitors should stop by the visitor center near the main entrance for ranger guidance on where to go based on your time and skill level, but some of the must-see spots are Cade's Cove and Clingman's Dome. Favorite Resort: Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg 4-Night Summer Pricing: $1,513.99 Fill out the form below for more details. 12. Anchorage, Alaska Anchorage, Alaska is one of the best places to visit in the summer, when the weather is ideal, and since the days are longer, you can pack more into the daily itinerary. During the summer solstice in June, daylight lasts close to 22 hours, so you have more time to hike, canoe, golf, or do a whale watching tour. There are also many heritage centers like the Anchorage Museum to visit, so you can plan a mix of outdoor and indoor activities. The temperatures in the summer are comfortable (averaging in the 60s Fahrenheit), so it is a great time to try river rafting, take a wildlife viewing tour, and see the landscape by railroad. Favorite Resort: Hotel Captain Cook 4-Night Summer Pricing: $1,875.09 Fill out the form below for more details. Mickey's Dream Vacations is a full-service travel agency, specializing in Family & Romance Travel. We take the stress out of travel planning. Packing for a cruise can seem like a daunting task. Beach days and gala nights, snorkeling excursions and museum walks, chilly dining rooms and humid ports: How can you possibly pack for all of it? What are you forgetting? How can you avoid excess baggage fees? Fear not. We’re here with some of our best cruise packing tips, making sure that you remember the essentials – and maybe learn a few tricks that will turn you into a packing star. We've partnered with the lovely ladies over on the Luxe Travel Moms Facebook group to get their fav items to take on a cruise. So, whether your goal is to avoid checked or excess bag fees by packing light, reserve your in-port shopping for souvenirs rather than necessities, or simply make sure you take everything you need on your next vacation. Pack your carry-on bags wisely. Pack a change of clothes and important meds or toiletries in the carry-on bags you will take on the plane and personally transport onboard. This is important for two reasons: First, if your luggage gets lost by the airline on the way to your cruise, at least you'll have some essentials with you. It can take a while for your luggage to be found and then shipped to the next port of call. Second, in case your suitcases are delayed in being delivered to your cabin, you'll have a bathing suit or dinner attire on hand and can enjoy all the onboard activities right away, rather than waiting for your bags to show up. Luxe Travel Mom Tip: This Vera Bradley backpack is one of our favorite travel bags because it lays flat and has lots of pockets for staying organized. Organize your checked luggage like a pro. Be smart about your checked bags, too. If you tend to overpack, lay out all the clothes you think you'll need, then only pack half the clothing and three-quarters of the shoes. If you're traveling with family, consider packing half of your things in one suitcase and half in a separate one (and have your spouse and kids do the same). That way, if one bag gets lost, then everyone will have some clothing -- rather than one person having nothing. To save space, roll your clothes rather than fold them. Finally, never pack valuables in your checked bags, as they could be stolen. Carry all cameras, electronic games, jewelry and prescription medicine in your carry-on. Luxe Travel Mom Tip: To keep things organized and save space, we highly recommend these packing cubes. Packing cubes are great for families because you can pack each kid in a separate cube and put their cube right in the hotel drawers. We also love these Stow-N-Go luggage organizers. Pack them then hang them up in the closet and you are done! So easy! Know the dress codes. If you love to dress up, some lines do offer tux rentals, so you don't have to pack your own. But while some folks still dress to the nines (formal gowns and tuxedos) for ships' formal nights, most people dress more informally (suits for men and cocktail garb -- flowing pantsuits or little black dresses -- for women). "Resort casual" is now the ubiquitous evening dress; think date night, with men in slacks and buttoned shirts (no jackets) and women in everything from sundresses to skirts or slacks with cute tops. Even jeans are now a staple in many cruise ship dining rooms. Luxe Travel Mom Tip: Pack lightweight items that don't wrinkle to save time when you are trying to get ready for dinner. We love this black dress from Amazon because it's lightweight, comes in a variety of colors, and inexpensive. This halter maxi dress is another favorite and so cute! Dealing with the dirties If you want to pack light (and do laundry en route), make sure to research; not all ships offer self-service laundromats. The ones that do have such facilities usually don't offer them for free, and it can get expensive. (Cruise lines often offer complimentary laundry and pressing services to suite guests and top tier past passengers, so it pays to be loyal.) You can always save on laundry costs by bringing travel detergent and rinsing out underwear and shirts in your cabin's bathroom or packing a bottle of travel-sized Febreze to get one more day's use out of a gently worn outfit. Luxe Travel Mom Tip: Traveling with men can be fun but also stinky, so we recommend stocking up on this "Before you go" spray. It will knock out any smells so you can enjoy your vacation without having to ask for a courtesy flush. Don't assume your favorite toiletries will be in your cabin. You'll always find basic toiletries onboard, such as soap and shampoo. In main cabins on some cruise lines -- Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Carnival -- toiletries offered are limited (in some cases, it's pump bottles of mystery soap affixed to the shower wall). You might want to make room in your luggage for your favorite brands. Same goes for hair dryers. Most staterooms come with weak dryers, so if you're picky, pack your own. Another tip: Never unpack your toiletry kit. Leave it filled with travel-sized bottles and an extra toothbrush or razor. When it's time for your next cruise, all you need to do is top off or replace the bottles -- rather than wasting time collecting items and possibly forgetting something. Luxe Travel Mom Tip: Our must have travel item is this Vera Bradley Hanging Travel Organizer. It's perfect on a cruise because space is limited, and you can hang this right on the back of the bathroom door. If you are looking for travel size bottles, we love these from Amazon, they are easy to fill and do not leak. Dress for your destination. Simply put, some places are more formal than others. Expect to pack more resort-casual wear if traveling to Europe (all regions) or Bermuda. (Golf courses in Bermuda have strict dress codes.) Other cruise itineraries, such as Hawaii, the Mexican Riviera, the Caribbean and French Polynesia, are more casual than the norm. And don't forget to think about your in-port activities. Flip-flops are fine for a beach day, but you'll want more comfortable shoes for long days of sightseeing or active excursions like hiking or biking. If you're visiting religious sites in the Middle East or some parts of Europe, you'll want modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees, even if it's quite hot. Luxe Travel Mom Tip: Pack a comfortable outfit for mornings where you are lounging on the deck before heading to the pool. A breezy tank with lounge capris or shorts is perfect for those lazy mornings. Don't forget a sun hat. The sun on the ship during sea days can get quite hot and you will need protection. This one from Amazon doubles as a visor or a hat for various hairstyles. Save some room in your suitcase. You'll likely pick up at least a few souvenirs during your cruise, so you'll need room in your luggage to bring them home. Whether you're picking up leather goods in Italy, Aloha-wear in Hawaii or duty-free goods in the Caribbean, consider packing a foldable duffle. It won't take up much space in your suitcase, and you can fill it up and check it for the flight home. Luxe Travel Mom Tip: Packing the extra duffle sets the tone and avoids any unnecessary arguments about over buying. You will thank us later! Mix and match. If you can make your clothes do double duty, you won't be hit with excess bag fees or find yourself fighting with your spouse about who gets the last hanger in the cabin's small closet. Stick with one color theme so you can re-wear bottoms with different tops or bring shirts that can be dressed up for dinner on one night and worn sightseeing the next. Opt for the layered look to handle differing temperatures in the various cruise ports. Change up the look of one formal outfit with different accessories (jewelry, ties, scarves), rather than bring two suits or cocktail dresses. Your shipmates won't know (or care) if you wear the same outfit twice. Luxe Travel Mom Tip: Do double duty with a stylish kimono that can be a cover up or casual blouse for dinner. This adorable sundress can double as a dress for dinner with some heels and a belt. Pack heels that will match with everything, so you only need to bring one pair. We love these block heels from Amazon, they come in a variety of colors and are perfect for the day to night look. Remember the basics. Most cruise ship cabins don't come with alarm clocks, so bring your own. If you're using your cell phone for this job, put it in airplane mode so you don't incur roaming charges in foreign waters. Other items you might want to pack because they're not provided or super-expensive to buy onboard include: over-the-counter meds, batteries, camera memory cards, sunscreen, ear plugs, bikini bag for wet swimsuits, a wet dry bag for keeping water out of your gear on water-based tours and power strips to charge all your electronics.
Keep all important documents with you. Always make sure you bring your necessary IDs and cruise documents -- and never pack them in your checked luggage. You'll want your photo ID and cruise ship boarding pass on hand (or even in a special document wallet). Make sure you have the correct type of identification for your cruise destination, whether it's a passport or birth certificate and photo ID. Wannabe cruisers have been turned away from the pier for having just a copy of their birth certificate (and not the required original) or a passport with a name that doesn't match the one on the ship's manifest (often in the case of a honeymoon cruise). If you need visas or immunizations for your cruising region, carry those documents with you, as well. Luxe Travel Mom Tip: Put your passport and vaccine card in one holder so you don't lose them. Take pictures of both your passports and your vaccine cards, this way if you lose them, you have them on your phone. Mickey's Dream Vacations is a full-service travel agency, specializing in Family & Romance Travel. We take the stress out of travel planning. Disclosure: There are some affiliate links in the post above, but these are all products we highly recommend. We won’t put anything on this page that we haven’t verified and/or personally used.
Traveling with children can be daunting for any parent but taking a vacation with a child with special needs or multiple food allergies can be especially challenging. As a mom to a child with several food allergies and Sensory Processing Disorder, I know all too well how difficult it can be to even consider taking a family vacation let alone plan one all on your own. That’s why I decided to start a travel agency dedicated to helping families like my own. Mickey's Dream Vacations is a travel agency specializing in Disney and other family vacations. We help families who have food allergies, special needs (including autism, sensory disorders, feeding disorders, or cognitive delays) or those who just want a Professional Travel Agent who is all about the details and can produce a memorable experience. Disney is one of many destinations that are amazing for children with food allergies and other medical conditions or special needs. Their chefs take rigorous training to learn how to safely handle food allergies. My son had never been able to order dessert in a restaurant until we took him to Disney World. Seeing him eating a cupcake and ice cream that are free of ALL his allergens brought tears to my eyes. For the first time in his life, my son had the chance to do what average kids experience all the time…eat his favorite foods IN a restaurant. We now visit Disney World every year, and each time we go I am overjoyed that my son will get to be a “normal kid” for a week. Mickey's Dream Vacations is dedicated to helping other families with food allergies, feeding disorders, or special needs experience the same magic of Disney. We have clients whose children are handicapped, have sensory processing disorder, ADHD, autism, and other conditions that can make traveling difficult. Disney offers support for these families with their Disability Access Service pass to help guests who can’t wait in long lines. There are special areas in each park that are quiet and offer a place for guests to get a sensory reprieve from all the sights, sounds, and crowds. Disney even publishes a guide for guests that lists all attractions and shows that may be too visually stimulating, noisy or scary. As an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, we offer tips on navigating all the details of your vacation. The best part is we can get you the same discounts and price because we book directly with Disney. Our family has traveled to Disney World, Disneyland, Aulani in Hawaii, and have sailed on all of the Disney ships with our son. Thankfully, we have never had an issue. I contribute that to the dedication of the special diets team in each destination and their staff. We also offer our concierge level service on other destinations. Thinking of an all-inclusive beach vacation, cruise, Europe or other trip but not sure how to navigate that with food allergies and special needs? We have specialists on our team that are Certified Special Needs Travel Agents in destinations around the world. Below are some of our other favorite destinations that are also amazing with special needs: Universal Orlando-similar to Disney, Universal Orlando handles food allergies like a pro. Their kitchen staff is fully trained, they offer tons of alternative options, and go above and beyond to make sure you are safe and have something that will accommodate every taste. Universal offers an entire team dedicated to food allergies, they are just an email away to answer any questions you might have. Royal Caribbean-Food allergies are taken very seriously on all of the Royal Caribbean ships. The kitchen has a separate preparation area away from the main production to prepare meals for guests with allergies. The Food and Beverage Staff attend recurring training programs regarding allergy protocols. There is an entire special diets team that you can be in contact with before your cruise. AMResorts-Dreams and Secrets- in Mexico and the Caribbean have a fully trained kitchen staff that go above and beyond to "WOW" you with their allergy accommodations. They truly go above and beyond to make sure you are safe. Sandals/Beaches Resorts-both the Sandals and Beaches brands are known for a high level of service and that doesn't stop in the kitchen. Many families consider Beaches the "Disney" of the Caribbean and we wholeheartedly agree. Every resort has a culinary concierge where guests can meet directly with staff to discuss food allergies and nutritional concerns. There is a separate area in the kitchen where they prepare your items to prevent cross-contamination. Karisma Resorts-The Karisma brand is "Gourmet Inclusive" and they believe in crafting food to perfection. They will make your experience the best possible. Anyone with a food allergy or special dietary need is catered to with special menus and a kitchen staff that is top-notch. Navigating travel with allergies does require some pre-planning and organization. There are some must-have products that I feel are essential to traveling safely with our son.
It can be scary to travel to an unknown place with food allergies and special needs but it can be done. Let us help you show you how much fun and rewarding travel can be!! Mickey's Dream Vacations is a full-service travel agency, specializing in Family & Romance Travel. We take the stress out of travel planning. Go ahead, take the trip! Pulling off a last-minute vacation is more feasible than you might think. You’re feeling spontaneous and need to skip town — preferably next weekend or next month. A last-minute vacation is more feasible than you think. Here’s how to fulfill your wanderlust on demand. 1. Be Flexible-with dates and destination. Sunday can be one of the more expensive days to fly, but moving your return to a Monday or Tuesday can make a big difference in price — or, try dates for two weeks later and compare. Length of stay matters too, some hotels require a 5 or 7-night stay so keep that in mind. Locations with larger tourism have more availability and better last-minute deals than those exotic hard to reach places. But, that's not to say that you can't find an amazing deal for next week to those off-the-beaten path destinations. Have your MDV agent look for you, you never know what she will find! 2. Check flights first. If you can pack up the car and drive to your destination within a few hours, great. But for those thinking more far-flung, be sure to check out flights before booking that (non-refundable) last-minute hotel room. Flight availability can be an issue or the prices can be more expensive the closer you get to your travel dates. 3. Outsource the Planning Disney, Hawaii, Mexico? Not all destinations are created equal and, even with limited lead time, a travel pro can help match you with the right fit-often at an unadvertised rate. Some requests may require a small fee to expedite those last-minute plans (and make a few urgent phone calls on your behalf), but it will give you peace of mind that your vacation has been vetted. We also may be able to pull some strings so that hotels know who you are before you get there. Hello, upgrade?! 4. Note What is Non-Refundable Most hotels have a cancellation policy of anywhere from 24 hours to 7 to 21 days in advance. For last-minute jaunts, your reservation may have to be paid in full up front. If there’s a still a chance you might come down with an illness in the week before you leave, or if your boss may not approve those last-minute vacation days, consider travel protection insurance. Your Travel Advisor can assist you with this, if needed. 5. Set Expectations It’s important to not have expectations too rigid when you are booking last-minute travel. Having a detailed plan for what you want to do will cloud the possibilities that can come from spontaneous travel. Sometimes it’s the last-minute adventures where you have little planned that end up being the best, so don’t get too bent out of shape if plans change. Be open to different opportunities that may arise before and during your trip. Just because it’s not what you had laid out in your head, doesn’t mean that it’s not going to be just as amazing, if not better. If you are booking last-minute, you are probably already a pretty easy-going, spontaneous individual, because if you weren’t you would have had things planned months ago. Not being too picky is ideal in this situation. 6. Don't Travel in Peak Season Booking last minute travel in peak season is generally a very bad idea. Prices will likely be high no matter what, with high demand leaving little room for discounts. Hotels are likely booked up and prices for tours are hiked as well. To be honest, it’s a bit of a recipe for disaster for last minute travel unless by some fluke you get insanely lucky. Alternatively, if you look for deals during low season or shoulder season, this is when airlines and hotels will offer deals because there is a low demand for travel and they want to fill up spots. Travelling in off season will also provide discounts on car rentals, activities, and pretty much everything else. And bonus, there are less people around. 7. Use last-minute travel for fun trips, not crucial trips Last-minute travel isn’t appropriate if you’re set on a particular type of suite in a specific type of accommodation at a particular location at your destination, or if you must travel during specific dates. If everything has to be perfect for your honeymoon, babymoon or spring break getaway, book ahead instead. 8. Pack Smarter Since you don't have a lot of time to shop and prep for your last-minute trip, you will need to pack smarter. Beach trips are easy, throw some swim suites, t-shirts, shorts, and flip-flops in your bag and go! City trips require a bit more planning but still can be easy. Stick with neutral basics in the same color family to make packing easier. Having one color scheme in your suitcase will help you decide what to wear each day on your trip. You really only need two pairs of shoes, one for day and one for night. No need to bring your entire closet for a last-minute getaway. For toiletries, grab this travel set from Amazon that ships the next day. It's the perfect size for carry-ons and makes it easy to pack. 9. Check the Weather Thinking of traveling next week? Look at the 15 day forecast and decide if that's the weather you are ok with having on your trip. Yes, forecasts are not always correct, but you don't want to be traveling to Florida in the middle of a hurricane. 10. Just Take the Trip! The best part of traveling are the memories you make and the experiences you have, everything else is just fluff. We've all have had trips that weren't long enough, or that didn't take place at the optimal time. However, I have never regretted taking the trip, at least not in the long run. It's not always easy, but it's always worth it. If you wait until the perfect time for the perfect trip, you will be forever waiting for the unicorn that never arrives. It doesn't have to be a huge trip across the world, a simple weekend away with a change of scenery can still recharge your soul. Your kids will never experience travel with you in the same way tomorrow as they do today, so take the trip! Mickey's Dream Vacations is a full-service travel agency, specializing in Family & Romance Travel. We take the stress out of travel planning. Categories All As travel agents, we travel A LOT so we know what the best products are to make traveling easier. Below are our favorite things you need for every trip! Our Favorite Travel Backpack This Vera Bradley backpack is roomy enough for anything you'll need while flying, road-tripping, or navigating the Disney parks. We love that you can throw it in the washing machine and it looks like new after. The material is water repellent so if you get caught in a rainstorm, your things will stay dry. It's complete with a ventilated pouch for shoes, a padded laptop compartment, and trolley sleeve to make your airport time easier. You can even feel good about your purchase because it's made of recycled plastic water bottles. Our Favorite Walking Sandals Oofos are recovery shoes, so they are made to be gentle on your feet and put less stress on your joints. They come in several different colors, and are available on Amazon or your local running store. The Oofos original sandal are available in styles for men and women. Several of the agents on our team suffer from Plantar Fasciitis and they said these sandals allow them to walk pain-free all over Disney World! Our #1 Bathroom Must-Have Traveling with men can be fun but also stinky, so we recommend stocking up on this "Before you go" spray. It will knock out any smells so you can enjoy your vacation without having to ask for a courtesy flush. Our Favorite Sleep Machine This white noise machine blocks out noise from hotel neighbors, outside, or snoring husbands. With small kids, it's a gamechanger. It has 24 natural soothing sounds, a timer, usb port, and headphone jack. We love how portable it is for traveling. Our Favorite Pop-Up Hamper We all agreed that a pop-up hamper is a must-have when traveling. This way our dirty clothes are in one place and not all over the room. When you are a family of 5 sharing a 300sqft room, it gets tight. Organization is key! This popup hamper from Amazon is durable and folds flat for easy packing. Our Favorite Portable Battery Pack Apple's MagSafe technology provides a magnetic connection between your device and an accessory. This battery pack is small but powerful. This should charge your phone from dead to 60% pretty quickly. We found it cheaper on Amazon than direct with Apple. We love how small it is and easy to carry. Our Favorite Packing Cubes Packing cubes are an absolute must have when traveling. I don't know how we traveled without them before. It's so easy to divide your items into cubes then drop the cube in the dresser at the hotel. These are also great for doing water parks with kids and having to carry along swimsuits during the day. Our Favorite Water Bottle Stainless Steel water bottles are great for keeping liquids cold on a hot day. We love these bottles because they have the paracord handle with clip so you are hands free. Moms are always the ones holding everything so clip this to your bag and go. Our Favorite Toiletry Bag Having a hanging toiletry bag can make your life so much easier when you are in a cramped bathroom with minimal counter space. We love the Vera Bradley ones because they are durable, washable, and so cute! Our Favorite Swimsuit We chose this swimsuit by Tempt Me as our favorite because it's universally flattering on every woman. It offers tummy control and ruching that hides imperfections. It comes in a variety of colors and sizes and runs true-to-size. Our Favorite Beach Bag When you are at the beach, you need a cute bag to carry all your things. This adorable rattan tote is the perfect size for the beach or the pool. It will hold a towel, your sunnies, sunscreen, and extra change of clothes, and your wallet. You will be beach ready and look so cute! Our Favorite Sunscreen When you have little ones with allergies, you have to be mindful of the ingredients in sunscreen. Neutrogena Wet Skin Kids is the number one Dermatologist recommended sunscreen. The spray is perfect for the beach or the pool and offers sun protection that lasts up to 80 minutes. The corresponding face stick is non-greasy and perfect for throwing in your purse when on the go. We love that these can be applied on wet or dry skin. Disclosure: There are some affiliate links in the post above, but these are all products we highly recommend. We won’t put anything on this page that we haven’t verified and/or personally used. Mickey's Dream Vacations is a full-service travel agency, specializing in Family & Romance Travel. We take the stress out of travel planning. |